The Bills recently lost quarterback Kevin Kolb to a concussion and rookie EJ Manuel is recovering from a knee injury.

“Right now we’re planning on Jeff Tuel playing the first game and we’re working with EJ to get back as quickly as possible,” Marrone said. “Meaning New England. Right now that’s how we’re going about planning on doing it until we know more about where EJ is.”

Tuel played his college ball at Washington State, where last season he completed 63.6 percent of his passes for 2,087 yards, eight touchdowns and eight interceptions.

If Tuel does start Week 1, he will become the first undrafted rookie quarterback in the common draft era (1967) to start a season opener, according to Elias Sports Bureau.

The Bills also have quarterbacks Matt Leinart and Thad Lewis, both of whom were acquired by the team on Sunday.